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Does an official diagnosis help

GreenGardener

Hi. I have been seeing a therapist for about two and a half years now. We have recently been talking about my possible autism. My therapist has said that although she can't diagnose me, my charatiristics/ things that I struggled with would probably be categorised as autism. I have done research myself  and through speaking with family members, think I am autistic.

Is going through with a proper diagnosis worth the appointment s and stress? I am conflicted, some family members are encouraging me to peruse it, others think it's enough that I know myself and can get help in other ways. 

Did getting a official autism diagnosis help other people?

Parents

  • I was in a similar position to you, after five years of therapy the possiblity of ASD came up - I'd been struggling with some of the therapy which didn't seem to stick for me, although I've learnt a lot of skills which have made a big difference.  So I did the AQ-50 test which gave a strong indication of ASD and on the basis of that booked a private assessment.  I'm 64 and retired so I thought there was little chance of an assessment through the NHS.  The diagnosis and confirmation of ASD came through in March this year.  It has helped in several ways.  We know that there are some therapy techniques and tools which are not going to work for me and so we'll try alternatives.  I'm also now able to put in context some of the struggles I've had over the years, particularly at work.  And I'm slowly losing my embarrassment and guilt at some of my behaviour as a child.  However I do wish I’d known earlier in my life and been able to make decisions with a better understanding of me.

Reply

  • I was in a similar position to you, after five years of therapy the possiblity of ASD came up - I'd been struggling with some of the therapy which didn't seem to stick for me, although I've learnt a lot of skills which have made a big difference.  So I did the AQ-50 test which gave a strong indication of ASD and on the basis of that booked a private assessment.  I'm 64 and retired so I thought there was little chance of an assessment through the NHS.  The diagnosis and confirmation of ASD came through in March this year.  It has helped in several ways.  We know that there are some therapy techniques and tools which are not going to work for me and so we'll try alternatives.  I'm also now able to put in context some of the struggles I've had over the years, particularly at work.  And I'm slowly losing my embarrassment and guilt at some of my behaviour as a child.  However I do wish I’d known earlier in my life and been able to make decisions with a better understanding of me.

Children
  • in reply to Adrian155

    Thanks for replying. I can understand where you are coming from with therapy. I have made a lot of progress with my therapist and she is probably the best I have seen, however there are still some things that just aren't working. My therapist is great but I do feel if I were to get a diagnosis I would understand myself so much more. 

    I am also worried about leaving my diagnosis for more time. I am in my early 30a now but have seen a few people who were diagnosed later wish they could have known sooner. 

    I am glad you gorgeous diagnosis and it has helped you.